Las Vegas, the largest city in the state of Nevada, United States of America, and the invincible “entertainment capital of the world,” is located in the Mojave Desert and is recognized globally for its larger-than-life hotels, casinos, restaurants, and nightlife. The self-proclaimed ‘Sin City’, Las Vegas is often called the 9th Hawaiian island due to its large concentration of Hawaiian residents.
The Las Vegas Strip, popularly known as ‘The Strip,’ is the brightest place in the world when looked at from space. Home to a whopping amount of 15 of the world’s top 25 hotels, Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is the largest of its kind in the nation and the second largest on the planet. Did you know the silver circles around the word “welcome” on the famous Las Vegas sign represent silver dollars and were incorporated to honor Nevada’s nickname as the “Silver State?”
Let us now take a look at some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city so you can decide where to stay in Las Vegas when you visit the Sin City.
South of the Strip
Source: booking.comWhile the war between the North and South of the Strip in being the supreme-most location seems never-ending, the latter does have some of the most impressive structures in Las Vegas to its credit, including some of the best faux cities in the world – think New York New York, Paris, and the Egyptian-themed Luxor. Essentially, start your tour of the neighborhood at the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and take a photo for your friends and family back home. Though you may not have time to spend a night at every fascinating hotel this city has to offer, you must check out some of the more prominent attractions such as the “Sphinx” guarding Luxor, the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur, and the park and esplanade at Monte Carlo. And, of course, you couldn’t miss a visit to the world’s largest hotel, even if it’s just to appreciate the historic MGM Grand from its outside.
Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially the young and the affluent
Other Highlights: Carroll Shelby Museum, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Golf Center, and Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
Hotel Recommendations:
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Vegas Airport South – Boasting an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, and a free shuttle service to McCarran International Airport, this lavish, pet-friendly hotel features wonderfully decorated guestrooms with amenities such as an extra-large double bed, free Wi-Fi, and private bathroom. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Tahiti Village Resort & Spa – An all-suite 4-star property located within a walking distance from the bustle of the neighborhood, Tahiti Village Resort & Spa provides its guests with a full-service spa and wellness center, an outdoor pool, and free shuttle to the Spirit. Guests at the resort can indulge in various fun-filled activities, including bingo and bracelet making. Suitable for families and big groups of up to 8 members.
- Silverton Hotel & Casino – Featuring a 90,000 square foot casino, a 2-lane bowling alley, and an on-site restaurant with a 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, Silverton Hotel & Casino offers well-appointed resort rooms with multiple facilities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with pay-per-view-channels, and private bathroom. Great for all kinds of travelers.
East of the Strip
Source: booking.comUnlike the North and the South, the East of the Strip has a more regular and cultural vibe to it, thanks to the University of Nevada Las Vegas and its vibrant student population. The neighborhood bears a strong connection to the city’s past and present as can be experienced by visitors at one of the many notable museums that scatter around the area, including the Neon Museum, Pinball Hall of Fame, and Marjorie Barrick Museum. If you’re traveling with children, a factory tour of Ethel M Chocolates is a must, especially if you have a sweet tooth. And, when you get tired (or broke) of all the stress and excitement of the roulette tables and slot machines, try your hands at golfing at one of the many remarkable golf facilities in the area – Stallion Mountain Golf Club is one of the most famous.
Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: National Atomic Testing Museum, The Shops at Crystals, and Fountains of Bellagio.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Platinum Hotel and Spa – A block away from the famous Las Vegas Strip, Platinum Hotel and Spa features fully-equipped suites with soundproofing, spa bath, and cable TV. The property houses an indoor as well as an outdoor pool, a business center, a well-equipped fitness center, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Tuscany Suites & Casino – An all-suite property located next to a casino and within a kilometer of the Strip, Tuscany Suites & Casino offers a landscaped property with a refreshing outdoor pool and a hot tub, a full-service spa and wellness center, and a business center. Guests can enjoy a cocktail at the on-site bar and relax at the property lounge area. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Featuring a massive outdoor pool known for hosting world-famous acts and events, including a blackjack card game that can be played while swimming, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offers individually-themed guestrooms with leather, wood, and silver-studded furnishings. A tattoo lab and rock n’ roll memorabilia can also be experienced at the property. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
West of the Strip
Source: booking.comIf you thought Las Vegas was glitzy and glamorous, wait till you step foot in this neighborhood. A major contract from the rest of the strip, the West of the Strip is more about residential homes, normal businesses, and local eateries. But, it also has many large hotels and a huge shopping mall, the Masquerade Village. If you have a limited budget and still wish to explore this larger-than-life city, the west neighborhood is perhaps where you would like to stay. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the area is home to the Nevada State Museum, most noted for its ‘Viva Las Vegas’ exhibit that is dedicated to the city’s contemporary history and culture. Equally charismatic is a stroll through the 180-acre botanical gardens at the Springs Reserve. If you are craving some Chinese food, head over to Spring Mountain Road – the place has the city’s famous Chinatown.
Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Charlie Frias Park, Orleans Palms Casino, Las Vegas Art Museum, Chinatown Plaza, and Fashion Show Mall.
Hotel Recommendations:
- The Orleans Hotel and Casino – Within a 10 minutes’ driving distance from McCarran International Airport, this glamorous hotel offers a casino, a bowling alley, a movie theatre, and 14 dining facilities. Other luxurious amenities at the property include a full-service spa and wellness center, a well-equipped fitness center, and a video game arcade. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
- Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino – An all-suite property featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, a lounge area for drinking, dining, and dancing, and a rejuvenating spa and wellness center, the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino welcomes its guests to be pampered at one of their elegantly-appointed suites. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Las Vegas Wild Wild West Gambling Hall – Offering a year-round pool with a hot tub and various live game tables and slot machines, this remarkable pet-friendly property offers complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour dining facility, and comfortable guestrooms within a short distance from the international airport as well as the Las Vegas Strip. Great for all kinds of travelers.
North Las Vegas
Source: booking.comTechnically, a city in its own right, North Las Vegas is easily considered as a part of Las Vegas because of the immense transformation and growth of Southern Nevada. Often overshadowed by its gambling powerhouse neighbor, North Las Vegas is as entertaining as the Sin City, if not more. A great place to come with the family, the area is home to many museums, parks, and child-friendly adventures. For instance, Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden at the Mirage Hotel gives you and your young ones the chance to watch white tiger and lions relaxing in the shade. Plus, you can also watch bottlenose dolphins swim and play at the hotel’s dolphin sanctuary. Another significant attraction in the area is the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Originally aimed at showcasing the history of Las Vegas, the exclusive museum now displays a multi-million-dollar exhibit that includes everything from the ancient times to the present-day world, from Africa to Nevada, and from the blue ocean to the expansive deserts.
Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: SeaQuest interactive aquarium Las Vegas, Aliante Nature Discovery Park, The Planetarium, and Springs Preserve.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Aliante Casino + Hotel – Boasting an outdoor pool and a casino with over 2,000 slot machines and 40 gaming tables, this ritzy North Las Vegas hotel offers pet-friendly accommodation in fabulously-designed guestrooms as well as on-site facilities such as multiple wining and dining options, an all-day bingo hall, and a state-of-the-art Race and Sports Book. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Cannery Casino and Hotel – With 5 on-site restaurants and 3 bars, a seasonal outdoor pool with hot tub, and a 16-screen digital movie complex, Cannery Casino Hotel features extraordinary holiday experience a short drive from Nellis Air Force Base. Guests staying at the property can also make use of the 24-hour room service facility as well as a well-equipped fitness center. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
- Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel – A family-friendly hotel with an on-site wedding chapel, Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel is one of the most prominent vacation properties in the neighborhood. Guests at the hotel are treated to an in-house movie theatre, an all-day bowling alley, a gaming floor, and a children’s playground with a pool and an arcade. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
Summerlin
Source: booking.comSituated North West of the city center, Summerlin is far removed from the casino and entertainment culture that Las Vegas is otherwise known for. Nonetheless, it is a great spot for outdoor lovers who would rather hike miles of trail at the Red Rock Canyon area than spend coins at a slot machine in a flashy Vegas hotel. Preserved as a National Conservation Area, the canyon offers an education center, multiple camping spots, 16 hike trails, and plenty of wildlife. For something slightly little-hearted (and perhaps less adventurous), go shopping at the European-themed Tivoli Village. With its cobbled streets and magnificent architecture, Tivoli brings you a choice of upscale brands and charming boutique stores to shop from.
Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Circus Circus Las Vegas, Fashion Show Mall, VooDoo Zipline, and Erotic Heritage Museum (adults-only).
Hotel Recommendations:
- Red Rock Casino Resort Spa – A short drive from the prominent Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Casino Resort Spa invites its guests to enjoy world-class hospitality and access to a championship golf course. Equipped with spacious, well-appointed guestrooms with views over the Strip or Red Rock Canyon, the property also features a beach area with cabanas and multiple gaming and entertainment venues. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Suncoast Hotel and Casino – Located next to two world-class golf facilities, Suncoast Hotel and Casino offers accommodation in expansive king and queen rooms with an extra-large double bed, flat-screen TV with pay-per-view channels, and ensuite bathroom. Guests here can enjoy at the on-site casino or enjoy bowling at the 64-lane bowling center. Perfect for all kinds of luxury travelers.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Vegas RedRock/Summerlin – Featuring luxurious guestrooms, suites, and studios with comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with cable, and a fully-equipped kitchenette (in selected rooms), this brilliant pet-friendly hotel is known for its amazing facilities and extreme hospitality. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Boulder City
Source: Kunal Mehta / shutterstockBoulder City is technically located in the west of Las Vegas in Clarks County, and it is one of the only two cities in the state that PROHIBITS gambling. The bright, neon lights of the Strip and the continuous clinking of the slot machines are nowhere to be found here (not legally at least). Instead, the neighborhood offers you a massive arch-gravity dam that dates back to the Great Depression. Formerly known as the Boulder Dam, Hoover Dam stands erect in the Black Canyon on the Colorado River and was once commemorated to President Roosevelt. When you are done exploring the area on foot, try experiencing the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert from the air by signing up for a thrilling ziplining tour – Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon is the most recommended. Make sure to go hiking on the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime views of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin Area.
Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Nevada Southern Railroad Museum, Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum, Veterans’ Memorial Park, and Black Mountain.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino – A pleasant drive from Lake Mead National Park, Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino features well-appointed guestrooms, a 24-hour front desk, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a wonderful on-site casino. Guests can enjoy a variety of Chinese and Italian delicacies at the on-site restaurant or shop to their heart’s content at the in-house gift store. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
- Hoover Dam Lodge – Located within a 5 minutes’ driving distance from the world-renowned Hoover Dam, the lodge offers comfortable guestrooms inspired by its surroundings. The seasonal outdoor pool, as well as a few rooms at the property, offer excellent views of the enclosing landmark. If not exploring the neighborhood, guests can enjoy their time at the on-site casino. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel – Boasting a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, a meeting center, and stylishly designed guestrooms, Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel is located a short drive from Hoover Dam as well as Lake Mead National Park. The pet-friendly hotel also offers a spa bath in selected suites. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
Fremont Street/Downtown Las Vegas
Source: booking.comBlown out your gambling allowance already and still have a few days to spare in the city of sin? No problem. Downtown has you covered. Though most part of the neighbored is as drenched in neon and casino chips as any place in Vegas can be, the area still has its share of art and culture and pocket-friendly cafés. Whether you are playing or not, pay a visit to Main Street Hotel and Casino to check out their interesting display of artifacts – they even have a chunk of the Berlin Wall. Want an insight into the city’s history but don’t feel like entering a museum? Take a stroll along Fremont East and find interesting bits of information about Las Vegas history etched on the 18 bronze medallions implanted in the pavement. While the ultimate free (and must) thing to in the neighborhood is to watch the nightly Viva Vision Light Show, you can’t miss a chance to pose with the iconic Vegas Vic.
Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Neon Museum, El Portal Movie Theatre, Photo with a Million Dollars at Binion’s, Banger Brewing Tour, and California Casino Big Buddha Belly Rub.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Downtown Grand, an Ascend Hotel – Situated in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, this superb property houses the largest pool deck in all of the neighborhood. Guests here can play at the slot machines or game tables or they can watch a game at the Race and Sportsbook. The Mob Museum is a couple of hundred meters from the property. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Plaza Hotel & Casino – Boasting a lavish casino with table games, slot machines, Keno, and a sports book, Plaza Hotel & Casino offers premium accommodation facilities at the entrance of the Fremont Street Experience. The property offers multiple dining facilities, including a massive food court with countless fast food options. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
- Four Queens Hotel and Casino – A couple of kilometers from Las Vegas Strip, Four Queens Hotel and Casino welcomes its guests to stay at their swanky guestrooms and enjoy a plethora of premier amenities, including a refreshing outdoor pool, an on-site casino with multiple gaming options, and a variety of dining options to choose from. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
Henderson
Source: booking.comAnother neighborhood located slightly detached from the bustling center of Las Vegas, Henderson is the second-largest city in the state and is located to the southeast of the Sin City. The most appropriate base to explore the natural wonders of Nevada, including the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Park, Henderson offers a distinctive desert landscape to its visitors. Recently recognized as the second safest city in the United States of America by the famous Forbes magazine, the area is a great place for families traveling with kids. If you love the outdoors, you will definitely appreciate a bike ride along the River Mountain Loop Trail and a visit to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Henderson is perhaps also the best place to sign up for a helicopter ride over the city’s natural attractions and the neighboring Grand Canyon.
Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Clark County Museum, Clark County Wetlands Park, Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas, Las Vegas Distillery, and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Best Western Plus Henderson Hotel – Featuring a heated outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center and business facility, and an on-site restaurant, Best Western Plus Henderson Hotel offers pet-friendly accommodation in modern, well-furnished guestrooms with world-class facilities. Jokers Wild Casino is less than a kilometer from the property. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa – Sporting a Mediterranean-inspired décor, this boutique hotel offers an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and wellness center, and a 24-hour front desk which can help arrange bicycle and car rentals for guests. While here, guests can relish a variety of refreshing cocktails and seafood delicacies at the poolside café and terrace. Great for all kinds of travelers.
- The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa – Situated on the banks of Lake Las Vegas, this enormous resort and spa facility offers plush guestrooms with avant-garde facilities, multiple on-site dining choices, access to a world-class golf course, and 2 outdoor pools with water slides and a private beach. Kayaks and canoes can be hired at the reception to explore the lakeside area. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.